(Minghui.org) Libertyville is a charming town in the northern suburbs of Chicago near Lake Michigan. After the annual Libertyville Days Festival was interrupted last year due to the pandemic, the popular event returned August 12-15 this year.

This year’s theme, “Let’s Give It a Shot,” was chosen to thank local residents who actively serve the community. As usual, Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate. They shared the benefits of the practice and informed the public about the ongoing persecution of their faith in China.

People stopped at the Falun Dafa booth during the Libertyville Days Festival held August 12-15, 2021.

“We Really Want to Learn This”

Besides posters and banners, practitioners also offered materials that explained the physical and spiritual benefits of the meditation practice. Drawn by the melodious music and the gentle exercises, many people asked for more information.

Wendy and Joe first heard about Falun Dafa five years ago. They wanted to learn but did not know where to start. They said they’d followed the persecution of practitioners in China for their belief, including forced organ harvesting. They said the information helped them understand the true nature of the CCP.

“We really want to learn this,” said Wendy after a practitioner explained how the practice gave her good health and improved her character. In the next few days, the couple began to listen to the audio lectures of Mr. Li Hongzhi, founder of Falun Dafa. On weekends, they also went to a nearby group practice site to learn the exercises.

Jennifer (middle) started to practice Falun Dafa three months ago and she talked about her experiences with Wendy (left) and Joe (right).

After listening to a practitioner’s introduction, Bernie (right) said he wanted to learn Falun Dafa.

Sue came with her grandson and asked for some materials about the persecution in China. “My daughter may go to China, and I want her to know what is going on there,” she explained.

Sue (right) said she planned to join the group exercises with practitioners on Sunday.

“I Am Lucky to Have You as a Neighbor”

Next to the Falun Dafa booth was a family of jewelry vendors. The owner chatted with practitioners several times and asked questions about Falun Dafa. She said, “I like the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. This is what our society needs.”

She mentioned that at first she was afraid her spot was not ideal. “But when I saw the words, ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance’ on your banners, I knew this must be a good place to be,” she said. “I am lucky to have you as a neighbor.”

She said that when she watched a practitioner doing the exercises, she could feel a strong energy. “The exercises are so peaceful and beautiful. I sent some pictures to my parents and we’ll all learn it,” she added.

More Residents Learn to Practice

Falun Dafa practitioners have a group practice site in Libertyville. They meet on Sundays to do the exercises and they also offer free instruction to anyone who wishes to learn. During the festival, many passersby said they noticed the local practice site.

People at the group practice site on August 22 learning the exercises

One week after the festival, local residents came to the practice site on August 22 to learn the exercises.